Students allegedly paid ₹1,000 per subject to use mobile phones and books during examinations, raising questions about examination supervision and accountability.
Allegations of examination malpractice have surfaced at the Karnataka State Open University's Shivamogga regional centre. Students were allegedly permitted to use mobile phones and books during undergraduate and postgraduate examinations in exchange for payments. The allegations also name regional centre officials and employees.
Shivamogga: Allegations of examination malpractice have emerged at the Karnataka State Open University (KSOU) regional centre in Shivamogga, where students were reportedly allowed to use mobile phones and textbooks during examinations in exchange for money.
The allegations concern undergraduate and postgraduate examinations being conducted at the university's regional office near Alcohol Circle in Shivamogga city.
According to the allegations, students who made payments were permitted to use unauthorised materials during examinations, while those who did not pay were required to follow the regular examination procedure.
KSOU Exam Malpractice Allegations Involve Separate Examination Rooms
The allegations suggest that different arrangements were made for students depending on whether they had paid money.
Students who allegedly made payments were reportedly accommodated on the second floor, where they could refer to textbooks and mobile phones while answering examination papers.
Meanwhile, students who did not make payments were allegedly seated on the first floor and required to write their examinations without such assistance.
These claims have not been independently verified, and no official findings establishing examination malpractice have been provided.
KSOU Shivamogga Regional Director Named in Allegations
The allegations name KSOU Shivamogga Regional Director B.M. Swamy in connection with the suspected examination irregularities.
According to the account, Swamy allegedly visited the examination centre approximately 30 minutes after examinations began to count students.It is further alleged that unauthorised assistance was provided to certain candidates in a separate room.
The allegations also name SDC employees Vinaya K.J. and Ninga Naik, attendant Yogesh Gowda and data entry operator Harish in connection with the reported collection of payments.
Their individual roles and involvement have not been established through an official investigation in the information available.
Students Allegedly Charged ₹1,000 Per Subject
According to the allegations, students were charged approximately ₹1,000 for each examination subject in exchange for permission to use books and mobile phones.
It is further claimed that payments were collected from 70 to 100 students daily after examinations concluded.
Students were reportedly instructed to transfer money through digital payment platforms such as PhonePe and Google Pay.
However, no verified transaction records, official complaints or findings from an investigating authority were included in the supplied account.
KSOU Examinations Scheduled Until November 20
The undergraduate and postgraduate examinations reportedly began on October 7 and are scheduled to continue until November 20.
The allegations have raised concerns about examination integrity and the interests of students who prepare and appear for assessments under prescribed rules.
An independent inquiry would be necessary to determine whether examination regulations were violated and whether any university employees or students were involved.
The information provided does not indicate whether KSOU has ordered an investigation or initiated disciplinary proceedings.
A response from the university and the individuals named in the allegations was not available.
